Quinoxaline derivatives and organic light-emitting diodes comprising the same

ABSTRACT

A quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) of 
                         
or Formula (II) of
 
                         
is provided. In Formula (I) or (II), R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and R 4  are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl, for example phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl. The disclosure also provides an organic light-emitting diode including the quinoxaline derivative.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/869,899, filed on Aug. 27, 2010, and entitled “Quinoxaline derivatives and organic light-emitting diodes comprising the same”, which claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 99124279, filed on Jul. 23, 2010. This application also claims priority of Taiwan Patent Application No. 98129006, filed on Aug. 28, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to a quinoxaline derivative used in an organic light-emitting diode.

BACKGROUND

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are popularly applied in flat panel displays and flexible displays due to their light weight, thin profile, self-illuminating, low power consumption, no backlight requirement, wide viewing angle, rapid response time and capability to fabricate on flexible substrate. Meanwhile, conventional electron transport material has a carrier mobility which is 1% that of hole transport material and has low thermal stability, resulting in low luminescent efficiency and a short lifespan. Also, the charge consumption of electron transport materials is 35.96%, while that of a light-emitting layer is 39.8%. Thus, development of an electron transport material with high carrier mobility which may be used in OLEDs is desirable.

Accordingly, Alq₃, which has superior film-forming properties, have been developed and applied in electron transport materials and host materials. Additionally, metal (Be, Al, Zn) complexes, 1,2,4-triazoles (TAZ) derivatives, fluorine-containing compounds and silicon-containing compounds have also been developed and applied in electron transport materials due to their higher carrier mobility and Tg when compared to Alq₃. However, carrier mobility, thermal stability and current density of the materials are still insufficient for use in electron transport materials.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) or (II).

In Formula (I) or (II), R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides an organic light-emitting diode comprising a cathode and an anode, a light-emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, and an electron transport layer comprising the disclosed quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) or (II) disposed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (III) or (IV).

In Formula (III) or (IV), R is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides an organic light-emitting diode comprising a cathode and an anode, a light-emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, and an electron transport layer comprising the disclosed quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (III) or (IV) disposed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode.

A detailed description is given in the following embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) or (II).

In Formula (I) or (II), R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ may be, independently, hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl, for example, phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (III) or (IV).

In Formula (III) or (IV), R may be hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl, for example, phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl.

Some specific quinoxaline derivatives provided by the disclosure are disclosed as follows.

One embodiment of the disclosure provides an organic light-emitting diode comprising a cathode and an anode, a light-emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, and an electron transport layer comprising the disclosed quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) or (II) or Formula (III) or (IV) disposed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode.

The disclosed organic light-emitting diode may further comprise a hole transport layer, a hole blocking layer or a buffer layer. The hole transport layer may comprise HTM2, TPD, NPB, PPD, TBPB, spiro-TAD, spiro-NPB, TPTE2, TPTE1, NTPA or DNPD. The hole blocking layer may comprise Bphen, BCP, BAlq, CF-X, TAZ or CF-Y. The buffer layer may comprise LiF or Li₂O. The above-mentioned abbreviations represent the following structures.

The disclosure provides an electron transport material with high electron transport rate used to fabricate phosphorescent OLEDs. The principal structure of the electron transport material is quinoxaline. The electron transport efficiency from the electron transport layer to the light-emitting layer is improved when compared to conventional methods due to the high electron transport rate. Thus, more efficient driving voltage and increased luminescent efficiency is achieved for blue and green phosphorescent OLEDs.

The disclosed electron transport material is composed of a nitrogen-containing quinoxaline heterocyclic compound with high electron transport rate. The electron transport material connected to, for example, a heterocyclic conjugate structure with high electron transport rate. Performance of PHOLED is improved by combination of such electron transport material and phosphorescent materials.

The LUMO energy level of the electron transport material is controlled by the quinoxaline heterocyclic compound connected to, for example, an aryl compound. The HOMO energy level of the electron transport material is further controlled by the substituted groups on the aryl compound. Reduced driving voltage and increased luminescent efficiency of PHOLED is achieved by combination of such electron transport material and phosphorescent materials.

Example 1 Preparation of Compound C2

13.6 g of benzothiadiazole (100 mmol) (compound 1) and 300 mL of HBr aqueous solution (48%) were added to a 1,000 mL round-bottom flask and heated to reflux. 15.4 mL of bromine (300 mmol) was then slowly dropped and reacted overnight. After adding sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution to quench the reaction, the resulting solution was filtered. The filtered solid was then washed with acetone. Thus, 25.3 g of light ashen solid product (compound 2) was obtained, with a yield of 86%.

2.94 g of compound 2 (10 mmol), 150 mL of ethanol and 50 mL of THF were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask and stirred for 10 minutes. 1.51 g of Sodium borohydride (10 mmol) was then added and heated to reflux. After reacting overnight, the resulting solution was filtered with a filter paper and extracted using ether and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate and concentrated by reducing the pressure, 2.4 g of white solid product (compound 3) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

585 mg of compound 3 (2.2 mmol), 420 mg of benzil (2 mmol) (compound 4), a specific amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA) and 20 mL of trichloromethane were added to a 50 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux. After reacting for 12 hours, 20 mL of sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, n-hexane/ethyl acetate=19/1). Thus, 820 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 5) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

695 mg of compound 6 (4.4 mmol), 910 mg of compound 5 (2 mmol), 115.5 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.1 mmol), 2.1 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O, 4.2 mmol) and 50 mL of dimethoxyethane (DME) were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of ethyl acetate for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/n-hexane=1/4). Thus, 750 mg of light yellow solid product (compound C2) was obtained, with a yield of 72%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 200 MHz) δ7.79 (s, 2H), 7.54-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.47 (dd, J=8.0, 2.2 Hz, 4H), 7.18-7.33 (m, 6H), 6.93-7.04 (m, 4H).

Compound C2 possessed a carrier mobility of 6×10⁻⁵ cm²/Vs, apparently superior to that of conventional Alq3 of 2×10⁻⁶ cm²/Vs.

Example 2 Preparation of Compound C3

25 g of 2-bromo-fluorene (2 mmol) (compound 7), 300 mL of pyridine and 5 mL of benzyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide (triton B) were added to a 500 mL conical flask. Next, a high-pressured oxygen gas was conducted. After reacting for 6 hours, 200 mL of acetic acid was added to quench the reaction. After the resulting solution was filtered, 21.7 g of golden yellow solid product (compound 8) was obtained, with a yield of 80%.

1.215 g of a piece of magnesium (50 mmol) was added to a 500 mL of two-necked flask connected with a condensing tube and a feeding tube. After removal of water by baking under vacuum, a piece of iodine was added. 50 mL of dry THF and 6.15 mL of 4-bromo toluene (100 mmol) were then slowly dropped from the feeding tube and then heated to reflux. After magnesium is completely reacted, 6.4 g of compound 8 (25.0 mmol) dissolved in 150 mL of THF was slowly dropped form the feeding tube under reflux. After dropping is completed, reflux continuously proceeded for 4 hours. Water was then added to quench the reaction. After the resulting solution was extracted with ether and concentrated, a brown liquid intermediate was obtained. 200 mL of toluene and 3 mL of conc. H₂SO₄ were added to a 1,000 mL two-necked flask connected with a feeding tube and heated to 60° C. The intermediate dissolved in 100 mL of toluene was then slowly dropped into the 1,000 mL two-necked flask through the feeding tube. After dropping is completed, dry potassium carbonate solid was added. The resulting solution was then filtered and concentrated. The concentrated results were then purified using a silica gel column (eluent: hexane). Thus, 6.51 g of white product (compound 9) was obtained, with a yield of 62%.

3.0 g of compound 9 (7.1 mmol) and 100 mL of dry THF were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and cooled to −78° C. 2.2 mL of n-butyl lithium (1.6M, 10.6 mmole) was then added to react for 5 hours. 6.6 mL of 2-isopropoxy-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (10.6 mmol) was then added at the same temperature of −78° C. After returning to room temperature and then reacting for 8 hours, n-hexane was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of ethyl acetate for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-crystallized using methanol. Thus, 2.5 g of white solid product (compound 10) was obtained, with a yield of 75%.

2.5 g of compound 10 (5.3 mmol), 1.1 g of compound 5 (2.4 mmol), 139 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.12 mmol), 2.5 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O) and 100 mL of toluene were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 18 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of ethyl acetate for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, dichloromethane/n-hexane=1/4). Thus, 1.5 g of white solid product (compound C3) was obtained, with a yield of 64%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 200 MHz) δ7.78-7.89 (m, 10H), 7.28-7.46 (m, 16H), 7.13 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 8H), 6.98 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 8H), 2.27 (s, 12H).

Example 3 Preparation of Compound C4

4.4 g of compound 12 (20 mmol), 50 mL of N-methyl-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and 2.1 mL of compound 11 (20 mmol) were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to 100° C. After one hour, the temperature was lowered to room temperature. Aqueous ammonia was then added to alkalize the resulting solution to the pH 8-9. After filtering and washing the filtered results with water, 4.1 g of white solid product (compound 13) was obtained, with a yield of 72%.

3.3 g of compound 13 (11.4 mmol) and 100 mL of dry THF were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and cooled to −78° C. 10.7 mL of n-butyl lithium (1.6M, 17.1 mmole) was then added to react for 0.5 hour. 3.5 mL of 2-isopropoxy-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (17.1 mmol) was then added at the same temperature of −78° C. After returning to room temperature and then reacting for 12 hours, the resulting solution was extracted using ethyl acetate and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-crystallized using methanol. Thus, 1.9 g of white solid product (compound 14) was obtained, with a yield of 50%.

1.8 g of compound 14 (5.3 mmol), 1.1 g of compound 5 (2.4 mmol), 280 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.24 mmol), 2.4 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O) and 100 mL of DME were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 48 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, dichloromethane/n-hexane=1/4). Thus, 1.6 g of yellow solid product (compound C4) was obtained, with a yield of 63%.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 200 MHz) δ8.23 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.18 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.80-8.00 (m, 6H), 7.47-7.61 (m, 6H), 7.27-7.44 (m, 10H).

Example 4 Preparation of Compound C5

5.0 g of compound 15 (40.6 mmol), 11.5 g of compound 16 (40.6 mmol), 2.3 g of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (2.0 mmol), 43 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M), 100 mL of toluene and 50 mL of ethanol were added to a 500 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours under nitrogen gas. After returning to room temperature, the resulting solution was extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=3/1). Thus, 7.5 g of colorless liquid product (compound 17) was obtained, with a yield of 79%.

1.0 g of compound 17 (4.27 mmol), 1.2 g of bis(pinacolato) diboron (4.7 mmol), 174 mg of PdCl₂(dppf) (0.21 mmol), 1.3 g of potassium acetate (12.8 mmol) and 50 mL of dry dioxane were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to 80° C. with stirring for 24 hours. After the temperature was lowered to room temperature, the resulting solution was filtered with Celite545 and extracted using ethyl acetate and saturated saline. After removal of water of the extracted solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=2/1). Thus, 984 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 18) was obtained, with a yield of 82%.

1.49 g of compound 18 (5.3 mmol), 1.1 g of compound 5 (2.4 mmol), 280 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.24 mmol), 2.4 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O), 100 mL of toluene and 50 mL of ethanol were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 48 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using 30 mL of trichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=2/1). Thus, 1.25 g of gray solid product (compound C5) was obtained, with a yield of 40%.

Example 5 Preparation of Compound C6

2.0 g of compound 19 (16.1 mmol), 4.6 g of compound 16 (16.1 mmol), 930 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.81 mmol), 4.3 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O), 100 mL of toluene and 50 mL ethanol were added to a 500 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours under nitrogen gas. After returning to room temperature, the resulting solution was extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=3/1). Thus, 7.5 g of colorless liquid product (compound 20) was obtained, with a yield of 70%.

1.0 g of compound 20 (4.27 mmol), 1.2 g of bis(pinacolato) diboron (4.7 mmol), 174 mg of PdCl₂(dppf) (0.21 mmol), 1.3 g of potassium acetate (12.8 mmol) and 50 mL of dry dioxane were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to 80° C. with stirring for 24 hours. After the temperature was lowered to room temperature, the resulting solution was filtered with Celite545 and extracted using ethyl acetate and saturated saline. After removal of water of the extracted solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=2/1). Thus, 626 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 21) was obtained, with a yield of 52%.

1.49 g of compound 21 (5.3 mmol), 1.1 g of compound 5 (2.4 mmol), 280 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.24 mmol), 2.4 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O), 100 mL of toluene and 50 mL of ethanol were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 48 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using 30 mL of trichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were purified using column chromatography (silicon dioxide, trichloromethane/ethyl acetate=2/1). Thus, 1.41 g of gray solid product (compound C6) was obtained, with a yield of 45%.

Example 6 Preparation of Compound NE1

13.6 g of benzothiadiazole (100 mmol) (compound 1) and 300 mL of HBr aqueous solution (48%) were added to a 1,000 mL round-bottom flask and heated to reflux. 15.4 mL of bromine (300 mmol) was then slowly dropped and reacted overnight. After adding sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution to quench the reaction, the resulting solution was filtered. The filtered solid was then washed with acetone. Thus, 25.3 g of light ashen solid product (compound 2) was obtained, with a yield of 86%.

2.94 g of compound 2 (10 mmol), 150 mL of ethanol and 50 mL of THF were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask and stirred for 10 minutes. 1.51 g of Sodium borohydride (10 mmol) was then added and heated to reflux. After reacting overnight, the resulting solution was filtered with a filter paper and extracted using ether and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate and concentrated by reducing the pressure, 2.4 g of white solid product (compound 3) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

585 mg of compound 3 (2.2 mmol), 420 mg of compound 22 (2 mmol), a specific amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA) and 20 mL of trichloromethane were added to a 50 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux. After reacting for 12 hours, 20 mL of sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping methanol. Thus, 875 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 23) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

1.39 g of compound 6 (9.9 mol), 2 g of compound 23 (4.5 mmol), 313 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.27 mmol), 165 mg of P(t-Bu)₃ (0.81 mmol), 5.8 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O, 11.7 mmol) and 80 mL of toluene were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping an equivalent amount of methanol. Thus, 1.73 g of white solid product (compound NE1) was obtained, with a yield of 81%.

Example 7 Preparation of Compound NE2

13.6 g of benzothiadiazole (100 mmol) (compound 1) and 300 mL of HBr aqueous solution (48%) were added to a 1,000 mL round-bottom flask and heated to reflux. 15.4 mL of bromine (300 mmol) was then slowly dropped and reacted overnight. After adding sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution to quench the reaction, the resulting solution was filtered. The filtered solid was then washed with acetone. Thus, 25.3 g of light ashen solid product (compound 2) was obtained, with a yield of 86%.

2.94 g of compound 2 (10 mmol), 150 mL of ethanol and 50 mL of THF were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask and stirred for 10 minutes. 1.51 g of Sodium borohydride (10 mmol) was then added and heated to reflux. After reacting overnight, the resulting solution was filtered with a filter paper and extracted using ether and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate and concentrated by reducing the pressure, 2.4 g of white solid product (compound 3) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

585 mg of compound 3 (2.2 mmol), 420 mg of compound 22 (2 mmol), a specific amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA) and 20 mL of trichloromethane were added to a 50 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux. After reacting for 12 hours, 20 mL of sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping methanol. Thus, 875 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 23) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

2.3 g of compound 7 (9.5 mol), 2 g of compound 23 (4.5 mmol), 313 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.27 mmol), 165 mg of P(t-Bu)₃ (0.81 mmol), 5.8 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O, 11.7 mmol) and 80 mL of toluene were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping an equivalent amount of methanol. Thus, 1.95 g of white solid product (compound NE2) was obtained, with a yield of 85%.

Example 8 Preparation of Compound NE3

13.6 g of benzothiadiazole (100 mmol) (compound 1) and 300 mL of HBr aqueous solution (48%) were added to a 1,000 mL round-bottom flask and heated to reflux. 15.4 mL of bromine (300 mmol) was then slowly dropped and reacted overnight. After adding sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution to quench the reaction, the resulting solution was filtered. The filtered solid was then washed with acetone. Thus, 25.3 g of light ashen solid product (compound 2) was obtained, with a yield of 86%.

2.94 g of compound 2 (10 mmol), 150 mL of ethanol and 50 mL of THF were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask and stirred for 10 minutes. 1.51 g of Sodium borohydride (10 mmol) was then added and heated to reflux. After reacting overnight, the resulting solution was filtered with a filter paper and extracted using ether and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate and concentrated by reducing the pressure, 2.4 g of white solid product (compound 3) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

585 mg of compound 3 (2.2 mmol), 420 mg of compound 22 (2 mmol), a specific amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA) and 20 mL of trichloromethane were added to a 50 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux. After reacting for 12 hours, 20 mL of sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping methanol. Thus, 875 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 23) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

2.3 g of compound 8 (9.5 mol), 2 g of compound 23 (4.5 mmol), 313 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.27 mmol), 165 mg of P(t-Bu)₃ (0.81 mmol), 5.8 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O, 11.7 mmol) and 80 mL of toluene were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping an equivalent amount of methanol. Thus, 2.15 g of white solid product (compound NE3) was obtained, with a yield of 58%.

Example 9 Preparation of Compound NE4

13.6 g of benzothiadiazole (100 mmol) (compound 1) and 300 mL of HBr aqueous solution (48%) were added to a 1,000 mL round-bottom flask and heated to reflux. 15.4 mL of bromine (300 mmol) was then slowly dropped and reacted overnight. After adding sodium thiosulfate aqueous solution to quench the reaction, the resulting solution was filtered. The filtered solid was then washed with acetone. Thus, 25.3 g of light ashen solid product (compound 2) was obtained, with a yield of 86%.

2.94 g of compound 2 (10 mmol), 150 mL of ethanol and 50 mL of THF were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask and stirred for 10 minutes. 1.51 g of Sodium borohydride (10 mmol) was then added and heated to reflux. After reacting overnight, the resulting solution was filtered with a filter paper and extracted using ether and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate and concentrated by reducing the pressure, 2.4 g of white solid product (compound 3) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

585 mg of compound 3 (2.2 mmol), 420 mg of compound 22 (2 mmol), a specific amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (p-TSA) and 20 mL of trichloromethane were added to a 50 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux. After reacting for 12 hours, 20 mL of sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution was added to quench the reaction. The resulting solution was then extracted using 20 mL of dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping methanol. Thus, 875 mg of light yellow solid product (compound 23) was obtained, with a yield of 90%.

4.7 g of compound 9 (9.5 mol), 2 g of compound 23 (4.5 mmol), 313 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.27 mmol), 165 mg of P(t-Bu)₃ (0.81 mmol), 5.8 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O, 11.7 mmol) and 80 mL of toluene were added to a 150 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 24 hours. The resulting solution was then extracted using dichloromethane for several times. The organic layer was then washed with saturated saline and collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-precipitated by dropping an equivalent amount of methanol. Thus, 2.69 g of white solid product (compound NE4) was obtained, with a yield of 61%.

Example 10 Preparation of Compound NE5

4.4 g of compound 12 (20 mmol), 50 mL of N-methyl-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and 2.1 mL of compound 11 (20 mmol) were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to 100° C. After one hour, the temperature was lowered to room temperature. Aqueous ammonia was then added to alkalize the resulting solution to the pH 8-9. After filtering and washing the filtered results with water, 4.1 g of white solid product (compound 13) was obtained, with a yield of 72%.

3.3 g of compound 13 (11.4 mmol) and 100 mL of dry THF were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and cooled to −78° C. 10.7 mL of n-butyl lithium (1.6M, 17.1 mmole) was then added to react for 0.5 hour. 3.5 mL of 2-isopropoxy-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (17.1 mmol) was then added at the same temperature of −78° C. After returning to room temperature and then reacting for 12 hours, the resulting solution was extracted using ethyl acetate and saturated saline. The organic layer was then collected. After removal of water of the collected solution by adding dry magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated by reducing the pressure, the concentrated results were re-crystallized using methanol. Thus, 1.9 g of white solid product (compound 14) was obtained, with a yield of 50%.

1.8 g of compound 14 (5.3 mmol), 1.1 g of compound 23 (2.4 mmol), 280 mg of Pd(PPh₃)₄ (0.24 mmol), 2.4 mL of K₂CO₃ (2M in H₂O) and 100 mL of DME were added to a 250 mL two-necked flask and heated to reflux for 18 hours. After the reaction was completed, the resulting solution was lowered to room temperature and concentrated by reducing the pressure to remove solvent. A great quantity of dark green precipitates was formed. The precipitates were then washed by water and methanol in order. Yellow-green solid was formed. The solid was purified by sublimation to form 2.1 g of yellow solid product (compound NE5) was obtained, with a yield of 58%.

Example 11 Fabrication and Test of an Organic Light-Emitting Diode

First, an ITO glass substrate was provided to serve as an anode and washed with a cleaning agent and deionized water. After drying, 4,4′-bis[N-(naphthyl)-N-phenyl-amino]biphenyl (NPB) was evaporated on the ITO glass substrate to form a hole transport layer with a thickness of 300 Å. Irppy3 and 4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole-biphenyl (CBP) (6-7%) were then co-evaporated on the hole transport layer to form a light-emitting layer with a thickness of 300 Å. Next, bathocuproine (BCP) was evaporated on the light-emitting layer to form a hole blocking layer with a thickness of 50 Å or 100 Å. Optionally, Bphen was evaporated on the light-emitting layer to form a hole blocking layer with a thickness of 50 Å. Next, the disclosed compound C3 or C4 was evaporated on the hole blocking layer to form an electron transport layer with a thickness of 200 Å. Next, LiF was evaporated on the electron transport layer to form a buffer layer with a thickness of 5 Å. Optionally, a layer of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (III) (Alq₃) with a thickness of 50 Å was further evaporated between the electron transport layer and the buffer layer. Finally, A1 was evaporated on the buffer layer to form a cathode with a thickness of 1,200 Å. Thus, completing fabrication of an organic light-emitting diode.

Compared to the organic light-emitting diode fabricated from the conventional electron transport material (Bphen), the disclosed organic light-emitting diode fabricated from the electron transport material composed of the quinoxaline derivative (compound C4) had higher luminescent efficiency. For example, the brightness of the disclosed organic light-emitting diode fabricated from the electron transport material composed of the quinoxaline derivative (compound C4) was maintained at close to 90% of the original brightness following 600 hours of test. However, the brightness of the organic light-emitting diode fabricated from the conventional electron transport material (Bphen) decayed to less than 80% of the original brightness following 600 hours of test. The results indicated that the disclosed electron transport material composed of the quinoxaline derivatives had higher thermal stability than the conventional Bphen electron transport material.

The maximum brightness, driving voltage, current efficiency and CIE of the disclosed organic light-emitting diodes (devices A to C) fabricated from the electron transport material composed of the quinoxaline derivatives (compound C3 and compound C4) and the organic light-emitting diode (devices D to E) fabricated from the conventional electron transport materials (Bphen and Alq₃) are shown in Table 1. To summarize, the device compositions are as follows:

Device A: NPB (300)/Irppy3: CBP (6-7%) (300)/BCP (50)/compound C3 (200)/Alq₃ (50)/LiF (5)/A1 (1,200);

Device B: NPB (300)/Irppy3: CBP (6-7%) (300)/Bphen (50)/compound C3 (200)/Alq₃ (50)/LiF (5)/A1 (1,200);

Device C: NPB (300)/Irppy3: CBP (6-7%) (300)/BCP (100)/compound C4 (200)/LiF (5)/A1 (1,200);

Device D: NPB (300)/Irppy3: CBP (6-7%) (300)/Bphen (300)/LiF (5)/A1 (1,200); and

Device E: NPB (300)/Irppy3: CBP (6-7%) (300)/BCP (100)/Alq₃ (200)/LiF (5)/A1 (1,200).

TABLE 1 Maximum Current brightness Driving voltage efficiency CIE Devices (cd/m²) (V) (cd/A) (x, y) A 57,190 3.5 34.9 (0.32, 0.61) B 82,123 3.5 46.0 (0.32, 0.62) C 56,763 3.5 32.6 (0.32, 0.62) D 51,177 3.5 31.3 (0.32, 0.61) E 69,580 4.0 24.6 (0.32, 0.62)

The results indicated that the disclosed organic light-emitting diodes fabricated from the electron transport material composed of the quinoxaline derivatives had superior maximum brightness and current efficiency when compared to the conventional organic light-emitting diodes.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A quinoxaline derivative, represented by Formula (I) or (II):

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ in Formula (I) and Formula (II) are, independently, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl.
 2. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 1, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl.
 3. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quinoxaline derivative comprises


4. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quinoxaline derivative is used as part of organic light-emitting diodes or organic solar cells.
 5. An organic light-emitting diode, comprising: a cathode and an anode; a light-emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode; and an electron transport layer comprising a quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 1, disposed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode.
 6. A quinoxaline derivative, represented by Formula (III) or (IV):

wherein R in Formula (III) is halogen, ethyl, propyl, butyl or heteroaryl; and R in Formula (IV) is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl.
 7. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 6, wherein R in Formula (III) is furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl and R in Formula (IV) is phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl.
 8. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 6, wherein the quinoxaline derivative comprises


9. The quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 6, wherein the quinoxaline derivative is used as part of organic light-emitting diodes or organic solar cells.
 10. An organic light-emitting diode, comprising: a cathode and an anode; a light-emitting layer disposed between the cathode and the anode; and an electron transport layer comprising a quinoxaline derivative as claimed in claim 6, disposed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode. 